How can a veteran PTSD if separation was a long time ago?

SPC Scott Morey — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:16:17 -0400

When I left the military I went to the VA to start my disability claim process, as I was told to do by one of my Majors.  I found a "so called" veterans representative that ran me through the entire process and filed all of the paperwork for me.  One issue I had with the VA was claiming PTSD.  Grant it, I was not on the front lines, but there was constant scud missile fire, and those loud scud alarms.  I have had nightmares and the jumpiness, and went through about 2 years worth of counseling.  When I claimed PTSD I was told by the VA that I was not in a high war zone area, and that I needed to provide proof that I was if I wanted the PTSD claim to pass.  About 6 months later I get a letter from the VA asking me to join a group study on concussions because it was noted that I was located in an area overseas where there was high explosions due to scud missile attacks.  I turned around and showed that to the VA asking them how they could be so hypocritical.  I was told that was just a group study invitation and not proof of PTSD or a war zone area.  Now I see that the VA is a lot more lenient on allowing the PTSD to be claimed.  Yet I am being told that I have been out of the military for too long and cannot claim it.  Any advice RallyPoint?

Response by PFC Kyle Corcoran made Mar 13 at 2014 8:27 PM

PFC Kyle Corcoran — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:27:00 -0400

I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble filing a claim with the VA. I filed my claim for PTSD and seizures after I was injured in Afghanistan without issue. Granted it did take a little over a year before I received compensation. I have spoke with many veterans at the VA hospital who have been out for 10 or 15+ years who are filing claims. As far as I know, as long as you have proper documentation you are entitled to compensation. You have to understand, the only way the VA will grant you compensation is the documentation you provide.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 19 at 2015 4:19 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 16:19:25 -0500

SPC Scott Morey, You have one year from your discharge as stated by the AMVET representative. I found this I hope this helps you out.
Preparing to Submit a VA Disability Claim

The VA Disability Process takes time, but you can help it along by submitting a clear and complete VA Disability Claim.

To do so, first gather all the evidence the VA needs in order to assign a VA Disability Rating to each of your conditions. You can Find Your Conditions on our site to figure out what information is needed to rate your conditions. This evidence should include all your military and civilian medical records regarding your conditions and any supporting evidence like a commander’s statement. Submitting sufficient medical evidence with your VA Disability Claim is essential.

You’ll also need to submit your Discharge DD Form 214, and, if you already went through the DoD Disability Process, the official documents from your Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, you’re ready to submit your VA Disability Claim.

It is essential that you submit your initial VA Disability Claim within one year of your date of separation from the military in order for you to qualify to receive VA Disability Back Pay. If your application is submitted after the 1-year mark, you will lose this pay.

Similarly, as long as you submit your VA Disability Claim within that 1-year mark, all of your conditions will automatically be assumed service-connected (unless there is clear evidence that they aren’t). If, however, the application is submitted after the year, then thorough evidence will also have to be submitted to prove that all the conditions were indeed caused by service.

http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vadisabilityclaim.html

What is a VA Disability Claim? How to submit a VA Disability Claim

Learn about VA Disability Claims, how to prepare your Va Disability Claim, and how to Submit your VA Disability Claim.

Response by PFC Aaron Knapp made Jan 19 at 2015 5:12 PM

PFC Aaron Knapp — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 17:12:26 -0500

I see most of the advice I would offer on the site. But if you hit a hold up contact your local Congressman. My case was expedited once he got involved.

Response by SPC Dennis Rutledge made Jan 23 at 2015 11:47 PM

SPC Dennis Rutledge — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:47:26 -0500

Do you have a VA helping you with your claim

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Apr 19 at 2015 3:17 AM

SSG Dave Rogers — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 03:17:29 -0400

You may not have PTSD, but TBI. I have PTSD but I also have TBI. I was having problems in the beginning of my treatment because the symptoms are similar, but the treatment is a little different. I would go to the VA and see if they have someone at your local VA that studies TBI and see if you have that. Also you should know that there is no time limit to apply for service related issues, issues can come up years later, especially when talking about the brain. The American Legion was very good at helping my with my claims. They have lawyers that work on that for free..